Exchange and Trade between the Northern Black Sea Region and the Eastern Mediterranean in the 3rd Millennium BC
Abstract
This research article is concerned with marine communications of the pit grave and catacomb population from the Troad and the Eastern Mediterranean. Relevance of the research. The territory of Ukraine had been influenced by the Ancient Middle- East civilization center since the Neolithic period, which constantly affected the development of the population of the South of Ukraine, especially its steppe part. In the 3rd millennium BC, an important trading center for the entire Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea region was Troy. The aim of the research is to observe a connection between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Northern Black Sea region. Methodology of the research is based on the use of the theory of space geography, system approach, and the comparative historical and chronological methods. All trade space structures tend to form regular hexagons. There are some structures, which centres are to the seacoasts. In plan, they feature sectors of a circle. Such a configuration of space structures means that sea communications play a very important role in the economy and social life of these peoples. Antique social organisms expand their sphere of influence, move to the steppe, and attract local tribes to their structures. Scientific novelty lies in fact that all known significant catacomb and pit grave settlements are also located in the lower reaches of the rivers flowing into the Black and Azov Seas. This is the catacomb layer of Liventsivsky I settlement. It is located in the Don River delta. The social centre on the Molochna River is located near the sea. Matviyivske settlement of the Ingul culture is located in the northern border district of Mykolayiv city. The most ancient significant sites of the Donetsk culture, according to the research of S. N. Bratchenko, are concentrated along the shores of the Azov Sea. According to S.V. Ivanova`s study, the pit grave social centre in the Bugeac steppe was located in the Dniester river delta, not far from the Black Sea. Mikhalivske settlement (ancient settlement), where both pit grave and catacomb artefacts were found in the upper layer, was located below the Dnieper rapids. Novotytorovsky social centre was located in the lower reaches of the Kuban River. The social centres of the pit grave and catacomb society were attracted by the coast of the Black and Azov seas. The successful trade relations with the Eastern Mediterranean and in particular with Troy could cause it. The trade relations between the Northern Bleak Sea region and Troad could take place, the bones of the dolphin in the settlement of Matviyivka 1, and a type-setting boat in the flooring of the pit burial place in the Odesa region proved it circumstantial. The Egyptian scarab was found near Melitopol, and pasta beads from the graves of the pit and catacomb communities were found too. Dishes that are similar to Cyclades`; Troy`s polished axes can also be evidence of these connections. The treasure, found in 2012 in Sadove village in the Crimea, provides much to identify the close relations between these regions. It contains 24 items of Anatolian, Trojan and Northern Black Sea origin. It suggests that rather close exchange relation existed between Troad and the Black Sea regions. Conclusions. It is determined that Troy did intermediary trade mainly, supplying certain goods from all over the Eastern Mediterranean to the northern coast of the Black Sea. Analysis of the treasure from Sadove confirms the connection between the Early Bronze Age cultures of the Northern Black Sea region and the more southern regions of the world. The results of the research can be used in generalizing works on archaeology and history of Ukraine
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